Clear Up Myopia or Astigmatism With EVO ICL

There’s no doubt that glasses and contact lenses have revolutionized how we see the world. While these technologies have benefited millions, they’re not for everyone. Many who express frustration over dirty lenses or losing them often turn to refractive surgery to help with their plight.

If this sounds like you, then it’s time to consult your eye doctor about your vision correction options. In cases of extreme astigmatism or nearsightedness (myopia), your doctor might tell you that LASIK is not the ideal option for your eyes.

Thankfully, there are effective alternatives for correcting vision when you don’t qualify for laser vision correction. If you struggle with myopia or astigmatism, an implantable collamer lens (EVO ICL) may be your best choice.

An EVO ICL is a custom lens that is inserted behind your iris — the colored part of your eye — to grant you clear vision at a distance.

“The ICL is a phenomenal way to correct nearsightedness,” said Brent Kramer, MD, an ophthalmologist at Vance Thompson Vision. “Some people will say that they’re bummed because they aren’t a great candidate for LASIK and they can only use their glasses to see.”

The reality is that those patients might be good candidates for an EVO ICL.

The EVO ICL is a refractive implant that corrects common vision issues related to refractive error, restores vision without the removal of any corneal tissue, and can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small opening in the eye and slides in a customized, delicate soft lens behind your iris.

“That’s really all there is to it,” Dr. Kramer said. “We do both eyes at the same time. Surgery takes around three-to-five minutes for each eye.”

As a result of technology becoming more advanced, Dr. Kramer said the procedure has only gotten simpler.

“This lens has a much lower risk of complications that were pretty rare to begin with,” he said. “We took a good technology and made it even better with this new lens called an EVO ICL.”

Members of Vance Thompson Vision — including Dr. Kramer — helped perform FDA trials for the EVO ICL.

“We’ve had our hands on this technology for a while,” he said.

Dr. Kramer said patients see the results immediately after surgery, and the recovery time is almost as fast.

“Patients sit up, and all of the sudden, they go from seeing a -12.00 to being able to see the clock across the room,” he said.

After surgery, patients may experience a slight itchiness in the eyes that quickly fades thanks to numbing drops, according to Dr. Kramer.

ICL surgery, including for the EVO ICL, is one of the safest surgeries not just in eye care but in all surgeries.

“It can be nerve-racking to have a procedure done on your eyes,” he said. “But almost everybody says it was worth it.”

Adding to the reassurance, Dr. Kramer said the procedure is not permanent.

While most who qualify for LASIK will choose it, Dr. Kramer said there have been instances where some LASIK candidates have chosen the EVO ICL procedure instead.

“Maybe their friend has an ICL or they’ve done a lot of research, and they’re set in that way,” he said. “As doctors, it’s our job to educate patients and try to get them to understand what we know so they can make the best decisions for themselves.”

If you're wondering if LASIK or another vision correction procedure is right for you, take our short vision quiz. And if you are ready, click here to schedule your complimentary evaluation.

Share the experience of LASIK with someone you love this holiday season with the Gift of LASIK. From everyday moments to the milestone occasions, LASIK at Vance Thompson Vision is truly life-changing. Learn more about the Gift of LASIK, or call (844) 414-3937 today to enhance the way your loved one sees the world.

Vance Thompson Vision has performed more than 200,000 eye procedures and includes locations across the Mid- and Mountain West.